Lead-acid battery

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VRLA Overcharged using 12v 10A charger - Acid boiled out - case bulged and swelled

Lead-acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses lead peroxide and sponge lead, immersed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte, to store and release electrical energy. This technology is one of the oldest forms of rechargeable energy storage systems, having been invented by French physicist Gaston Planté in 1859. Lead-acid batteries are widely used in various applications, including automobiles for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) systems, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, golf carts, and for large-scale energy storage in power plants and grid energy storage.

Design and Operation

The basic component of a lead-acid battery is the cell, which consists of a negative plate made of sponge lead and a positive plate coated with lead dioxide, both immersed in an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid. The chemical reaction between the lead, lead dioxide, and sulfuric acid generates electrical energy. When the battery is discharging, the sulfuric acid reacts with the lead dioxide and sponge lead to produce lead sulfate and water, releasing electrical energy in the process. During charging, the process is reversed: electrical energy is used to convert the lead sulfate back into lead dioxide and sponge lead, replenishing the battery's stored energy.

Types of Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries come in several types, each designed for specific applications and offering different benefits:

• Flooded or Wet Cell Batteries: These contain a liquid electrolyte and require regular maintenance, including topping up with distilled water.
• Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries: These are sealed, maintenance-free batteries that use a valve to allow gases to escape if needed. VRLA batteries are further divided into two types:
  • Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries: These feature a fiberglass mat that absorbs the electrolyte, making the battery spill-proof and providing enhanced performance and durability.
  • Gel Cell Batteries: The electrolyte is mixed with a silica additive that makes it set into a gel form, offering similar benefits to AGM batteries but with different charging and temperature performance characteristics.

Applications

Lead-acid batteries are used in a wide range of applications, from automotive batteries, which provide the high current required for engine starting, to stationary batteries, which offer backup power for telecommunications, power plants, and emergency lighting systems. They are also used in renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power, for energy storage.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantages of lead-acid batteries include their cost-effectiveness, reliability, and recyclability. They are among the most recycled products in the world. However, they also have disadvantages, such as a lower energy density compared to other types of rechargeable batteries, a shorter lifespan, and the need for maintenance in the case of flooded lead-acid batteries.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Lead-acid batteries contain toxic lead and sulfuric acid, posing environmental and health risks if not properly recycled or disposed of. Lead exposure can cause neurological damage, especially in children, and sulfuric acid is a corrosive substance harmful to skin and eyes. Proper recycling and handling of lead-acid batteries are essential to mitigate these risks.

Recycling

Lead-acid batteries are highly recyclable, with most components, including lead, plastic, and sulfuric acid, being recoverable and reusable. Recycling helps reduce the environmental impact of lead-acid batteries and is a critical aspect of their lifecycle management.

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